JOALI BEING has unveiled an exclusive culinary partnership with acclaimed Chef Kelvin Cheung, the award-winning pioneer of Third Culture cuisine, recognised by the MICHELIN Guide and MENA’s 50 Best Restaurants. Taking place from 18th to 22nd February, the collaboration invites guests to gather and celebrate renewal and togetherness through a thoughtfully curated culinary journey.

Born in Canada, raised in Chicago, and now based in Dubai, Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary philosophy is shaped by a life lived between cultures. Drawing from his Chinese heritage, North American upbringing, and classical French training, his cuisine reflects a deeply personal narrative rooted in memory, movement, and meaning. Thoughtful and instinctive, his approach speaks to balance, harmony, and intention — values that align naturally with both the spirit of Lunar New Year and JOALI BEING’s philosophy of well-living through conscious, considered experiences.

The collaboration is expressed through a curated programme of dining and culinary moments across JOALI BEING’s signature spaces. From shared dining experiences that celebrate cultural storytelling and togetherness, to immersive workshops at the Culinary Learning Centre, guests are invited to experience food not only as nourishment, but as a meaningful expression of creativity, presence, and joy. With world-acclaimed recognition and a career shaped by cultural exchange, Chef Kelvin Cheung brings a distinctive culinary voice to JOALI BEING’s well-living journey. Rooted in intention and sustainability, the partnership highlights thoughtfully sourced ingredients — both local and global — crafted with respect for the land, the ocean, and the shared moments created around the table.

Programme highlights include a series of exclusive dinners showcasing Chef Kelvin’s signature Third Culture creations, where flavours move seamlessly across borders and traditions, capturing the energy and optimism of the new year. Complementing these experiences, hands-on cooking classes invite guests to explore Chef Kelvin’s culinary perspective through interactive learning, while a dedicated kids-only cooking class encourages young guests to reimagine familiar dishes through playful experimentation. Inspired by Chef Kelvin’s own experiences cooking with his son, the class nurtures confidence, curiosity, and self-expression, allowing children and teens to discover food as a creative and personal journey.

Chef Kelvin Cheung’s residency forms part of JOALI BEING’s wider Lunar New Year celebrations, thoughtfully curated to honour tradition, renewal, and the joy of coming together. The programme begins with festive dining to welcome the new year, followed by a diverse calendar of culinary and cultural experiences — from hot pot gatherings and hands-on masterclasses to tea rituals and celebratory dining moments — unfolding across a two-week period. Designed for families and guests of all ages, the celebrations extend beyond the table to include wellbeing rituals, marine adventures, recreational sports, interactive workshops, and sunset gatherings, creating a holisti,c island-wide celebration rooted in connection and joy.

To complement the experience, guests travelling as families or groups may also explore JOALI BEING’s Residence Escape Offer, designed for extended stays in the island’s three- and four-bedroom residences. Created for unhurried living, the offer invites guests to mark the season through meaningful rituals, shared moments, and time spent together.

For full programme details, including Chef Kelvin Cheung’s culinary experiences, please visit the resort’s website. For bookings and further information, please contact reservations.being@joali.com. 

Ifuru Island Maldives is welcoming Dr Shakkeel AM as a Visiting Wellness Practitioner, marking a step in the resort’s plans to develop a curated Visiting Practitioner programme.

Dr Shakkeel, a CIDESCO-certified naturopath and acupuncturist, will be in residence at the resort from 28 January to 30 March. The residency forms part of Ifuru Island Maldives’ strategy to introduce rotating international wellness specialists and expand its holistic wellbeing offering.

With more than ten years of experience in luxury wellness hospitality across the Maldives, India and Bahrain, Dr Shakkeel brings a personalised and integrative approach to wellbeing. His practice is influenced by classical Ayurveda and modern therapeutic methods, drawing inspiration from his grandfather, an Ayurvedic healer.

He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Naturopathy and Yogic Sciences and advanced acupuncture training from the Jing Well Academy. Each guest programme begins with a comprehensive consultation, including Tridosha assessment, tongue diagnosis and pulse analysis, to tailor treatments to individual needs.

During his residency, guests will have access to a range of therapies, including therapeutic and cosmetic acupuncture, Kalari Marma therapy, sleep-enhancing treatments, detoxification programmes, posture alignment therapy, immersive Ayurvedic rituals, restorative bodywork and guided meditation sessions.

Ifuru Island Maldives said the residency supports its long-term plan to establish a rotating Visiting Practitioner programme, aimed at offering guests access to internationally experienced wellness experts and structured, results-driven wellness journeys.

Guests will be able to begin their experience with a complimentary Ayurveda or wellness consultation during the residency period.

This February, Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives invites guests to welcome Lunar New Year 2026 with a vibrant island celebration honouring the Year of the Fire Horse. Running from 16 to 21 February, the programme blends festive dining, restorative wellness, and family-friendly fun set against the breathtaking natural beauty and stunning sunsets of the Maldives.

In Chinese culture, the Horse symbolises energy, confidence, freedom and forward momentum, qualities intensified by the Fire element, which represents passion, renewal and bold new beginnings. At Kandooma, this spirit comes to life through a thoughtfully prepared celebration that balances relaxation with movement, and time-honoured traditions with the freedom of a private island escape.

Festive dining sits at the heart of the celebrations. Guests are invited to share in a Prosperity Yu Sheng (Lo Hei) experience, where fresh fish, vibrant shredded vegetables and condiments are tossed together to invite abundance, unity and good fortune. Traditionally, the higher the toss, the greater the luck. Interactive Hot Pot evenings at The Asian Kitchen on the beach include the Yu Sheng set, a choice of two savoury broths, fresh vegetables, chewy noodles, premium Angus beef slices, juicy Tiger prawns, pork belly and an assortment of tasty fish balls. (US$99++ per person available 16-21 February except 19 February). Seafood lovers will be delighted with the Seafood Fiesta at The Asian Kitchen on 19 February where an indulgent spread will welcome guests, including fresh sushi and sashimi, sand lobster, Norwegian salmon and more. Meat lovers are catered for too, with a choice of grass-fed beef sirloin, succulent lamb cutlets, roasted Beijing Duck, crispy pork belly and more. (US$99++ per person).

The Lunar New Year also invites renewal and reflection. Throughout the week (16-21 February), guests can unwind with special offers on spa rituals focused on balance and gentle rejuvenation. Refresh the skin and spirit with the Kandooma Spa’s Express Facial using SUNDARI skincare products (US$45, normally $70). Rejuvenate the body with a gentle Full-body Exfoliation (US$40, normally US$80). Beyond signature treatments at Kandooma Spa by COMO Shambhala, a programme of wellness and movement activities encourages reconnection and vitality, including sunrise and sunset yoga, ‘Float & Flow’ SUP yoga, and the immersive new ‘Salt & Sound’ healing sessions, ensuring you begin the year feeling refreshed and aligned.

Designed as a family-friendly celebration, Lunar New Year at Kandooma offers added value with IHG’s Kids Eat & Stay Free (for up to two children under 13). On Lunar New Year’s Day, 17 February, younger guests are welcomed at Kandoo Kids’ Club for hands-on festivities including wishing tree creations, red-envelope treasure hunts, crafts and festive games, creating fun memories for the whole family.

Surrounded by turquoise waters, vibrant marine life and white-sand beaches fringed with palms, guests are free to shape their celebration their own way. For some, the New Year begins with adventure: snorkelling, jet-ski safaris, scuba diving and ocean excursions. For others, it’s about slowing down and simple pleasures: spa time, hammock lounging with a good book, or a refreshing swim in crystal-clear waters.

Accommodation options cater to couples and families alike, from lush garden villas and beachfront villas to the resort’s popular two-storey beach houses. Among the most sought-after are the spacious overwater villas featuring a signature hammock suspended above the lagoon and direct ladder access into the water below, presenting an array of opportunities for the perfect selfie.

Throughout the festive period, guests are supported by Chinese-language menus and the resort’s multilingual team, with Mandarin-speaking colleagues available to ensure comfort, ease and a seamless stay.

Welcome Lunar New Year 2026 at Holiday Inn Resort Kandooma Maldives, where island beauty, meaningful traditions and fun for all ages come together to usher in the Year of the Fire Horse. The resort’s Lunar New Year programme is available here. For getaways to the Maldives please contact your travel agent or visit www.maldives.holidayinnresorts.com.